The System (aka The Girl Getters) (1964)

It's the summer and a group of British lads descend on a seaside town where tourists and girls gather for a bit of summer fun. The leader (Oliver Reed) of the group is a photographer who comes every summer to take the tourists and the "birds". But this summer will be different. Directed by Michael Winner (THE NIGHTCOMERS), this is quintessential swinging 60s British cinema. It's sort of the English equivalent of WHERE THE BOYS ARE (1960), kids having fun on the beach but with a darker side too. Having come off a series of Hammer horror films, this movie was an important step in Oliver Reed's career. He gives a strong performance as a young man who sees his youth rapidly getting away from him and the future looking grim. Shot on location in Devon, the film has a rich B&W look courtesy of cinematographer Nicholas Roeg (soon to be a director himself in a few years). Aside from Reed, the rest of the male roles sort of diminish behind him which leaves the film's actresses to step forward. Each giving solid performances including Jane Merrow, Barbara Ferris, Julia Foster and Ann Lynn. Also in the cast: David Hemmings, Harry Andrews, Andrew Ray, Mark Burns and Derek Nimmo.